September 11, 2021, marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks – the largest loss of life by a foreign attack on U.S. soil. We will never forget the nearly 3,000 Americans killed in the coordinated attacks upon the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and United Airlines Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania — before it could reach its target in the nation’s capital.
“During this 20th anniversary year, it is our privilege to share these lessons with a new generation, teach them about the ongoing repercussions of the 9/11 attacks and inspire them with the idea that, even in the darkest of times, we can come together, support one another and find the strength to renew and rebuild,” said 9/11 Memorial and Museum President and CEO Alice M. Greenwald.
As we honor both the victims and survivors of 9/11, it’s also imperative to honor those first responders that perished in the attacks – with more than 400 police officers, firefighters, rescue workers, and nurses who died after rushing to the scenes. Survivors continue to suffer from long-term effects from inhaling toxic dust and debris and post-traumatic stress disorders. Twenty years later, the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on those 9/11 survivors suffering from respiratory and lung problems.
And as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded how nurses and healthcare professionals respond time and time again to the need for volunteers and medical assistance, and 9/11 was no different. Nurses all over the country answered the call to assist the Red Cross or those at ground zero. Visit nurse.org for a list of those nurses and health care professionals that perished on September 11 and remembrance stories from that day.
During this 20th anniversary year, let’s continue to commemorate, educate, and inspire. For more information on 9/11 observances, please visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum site here.
We will never forget.
